4 Answers
4

Any activity that requires a large range of motion will increase your flexibility, assuming you do it consistently and strive for proper technique: gymnastics, olympic weightlifting, martial arts, break dancing, parkour, climbing. Of course, dedicated stretching is going to be most effective of all, but doing some of these is better than nothing.

The only activities I know of to increase flexibility are stretching. Don't look at it as a chore, look at it as a way for you to relax.

I personally find that I'm more likely to enjoy stretching if the environment is right. If I have to stretch in the middle of the weight room because the gym I'm in doesn't have a stretching area, I find that I don't enjoy it and feel like I'm going to get stepped on.

+1 for don't get stepped on. I have munchkins running around, and every time I lie down they jump on me!
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Jay BazuziMar 19 '11 at 5:30

@Jay - That would drive me nuts :) But yeh, you know what I mean. Even in the gym it's easy to get self conscious when several people are grunting around you and you are trying to focus on your breathing.
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jmort253Mar 19 '11 at 7:32

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Couldn't agree more, the environment really helps.With the summer on its way, take off to a remote peaceful place in the countryside and just stretch out / meditate, its awesome! Also (this works for me) have a whisky, it instantly relaxes me and allows me to get to my maximum stretch much faster, and sometimes further!
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user155695Apr 11 '11 at 18:31

There are numerous ways, beyond "stretching" that increase flexibility. Barbell good mornings, as an example, will stretch the hamstring and glutes as well as strengthen them.
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Eric KaufmanJul 20 at 21:24

AFAIK there are differences between different kinds of exercise. Runners tend to be stiff, Zumba, Salsa etc is good for the hips.

Also I think warm stretching can be more efficient than (normal cold) Yoga. Martial Arts like Ta-know-Do with stretching should be very efficient. There is also fitness "Yoga" like Bikram and Asthanga where the body is warm. (Real Yoga is IMHO better in the long term)

We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.

3

It would help if you could make your answer a bit longer and explain whether you are basing it on your own experience or maybe quote from an article that gave you this idea.
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BaarnOct 7 '12 at 18:57

And -1. While your muscles may be "looser" in the evening, they are still what is considered "cold". If you want to stretch in the evening, you should do at least 10 minutes of activity using the targeted stretch areas to warm up the muscles and prepare them. Stretching on cold muscles is a good way to injure yourself.
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JohnPAug 5 '13 at 14:48